United States or Botswana ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
There was bustle enough when I beat on the courtyard gates, for the place was stockaded, and there was a strong guard inside. Presently they opened the wicket, and the captain looked out angrily enough. He began to rate us, but I cut him short. "I am Redwald," I said, "and I must see the Atheling without delay." The officer knew me well enough then, and let us in.
Redwald was not exactly blushing; he had spent the interval before the banquet in looking eagerly and wistfully all round the house, and now his countenance had a cold composure, which made it seem as if he had never known emotion; still he answered fittingly to the king's humour: "Alack, my lord, such credit is due only to the blessed saints, especially St.
They themselves let the drawbridge down and guarded the sad cortege over the plain. Their numbers increased every moment, and before they reached the neighbourhood of the priory they had little cause to fear any attack, should Redwald have arrived and have been rash enough to attempt one.
The conversation then became desultory and, finally, when the gleemen began the well known piece de resistance, the battle of Brunanburgh, Edwy yawned and Redwald looked sleepy, while the old thane actually slept in his huge armchair, and was awakened only by the cessation of the music and singing.
"Cnut needs help, and will bid high for it. Nay, I know that it will be made. We have our spies in Cnut's court, Redwald, and know more than you may think. Tell him, therefore, only what I have said to you, and let me know his answer by someone whom you can trust." Then I rose up in my anger, and said: "You ask me to spy on the king, lord earl, and I will not do it." "Nay, nay," he said.
"Redwald," the king said, "is there no way by which we might cross the river? Then might we fall on the ships at Burnham, and Cnut must send his men over ship by ship, and so we might well gain the victory."
That is what is written for the weird of Redwald the thane." Now at that I was fairly terrified, for it was plain that this old woman, who had never set eves on me before, had knowledge more than mortal. But if she had gone so far, I would have her go yet further. Black terror had been before the days of Guthrum grew peaceful, and I swallowed my fear of her and asked: "What of Guthrum's days?"
Edwy saw his look of embarrassment, and hastened to reply to the question it conveyed. "They are left at Aescendune, fifty under the command of Redwald, to fortify the house until we return. You must go home this time, and you need not fear, for I have been a very saint at Aescendune, and they are expecting Dunstan will speedily return and canonise me.
"Elfric, I am your cousin, and the deadly foe of you and yours!" "Then my poor father; but if you must find a victim seek it in me; spare him! oh, spare him!" Redwald smiled; but such a smile. "At least let me see him now, and obtain his forgiveness. Redwald, he is my father; you were faithful to your father; let me atone for my unfaithfulness to mine."
"I am sent with all speed to Redwald the thane, at Stamford, with word for Eadmund the Atheling." "I am Redwald," I said. "Who sent you?" "Olaf the king. Show me your sword, master." I held out the hilt of my sword, for that was a token which a messenger should give and receive that Olaf and I had agreed on. "Cnut the Dane has landed at Sandwich," the man said.
Word Of The Day